Scientific Information

Other Names: Black Partridge, Indian Francolin

Subspecies: Six according to Johnsgard: Francolinus francolinus
francolinus, F. f. arabistanicus, F. f. henrici, F. f.
asiae, F. f. bogdanovi, and F. f. melanonotus. It is
believed that the subspecies kept in American aviaies is the asiae
which is native to western India.

Range: Southern Asia, from Cyprus and the Caspian region east
through India; once found in southern Europe west into Spain, has now been
re-established in central Italy. Has been introduced and established on
four of the Hawaiian Islands and Guam. Has also been introduced into
Louisiana and southern Florida, but their numbers are very low.

Habitat: Varied, prefers areas of thick vegetation, usually near water.

Status in Wild: As mentioned, the Black Francolin once had a broad
range from Spain east to India, now has been eliminated from most of Europe
and is threatened in Russia and in Cyprus. The status in Asia has not been
well documented. Where it has been introduced on Hawaii, it is now thriving
and is a game species; the status in Louisiana and Florida is not known at this time.